Tangibilization
Tangibilization is the process of making intangible or abstract phenomena more concrete and perceivable. It involves translating ideas, values, processes, or data into tangible forms—such as physical artifacts, visual representations, models, or experiences—so they can be observed, discussed, measured, and acted upon. The concept is used across fields including design, management, science, and public policy to improve understanding, communication, and participation.
Common methods include prototyping and physical modeling, data visualization and dashboards, mapping and schematics, scenario-based storytelling,
Benefits of tangibilization include greater clarity, better alignment among stakeholders, enhanced engagement, and more informed judgments.
In practice, tangibilization is a flexible technique rather than a formal theory, often paired with visualization,